EMG Helios EV01 Sniper, Black

The EMG Helios EV01 is a spring-powered bolt-action sniper rifle developed by ARES in collaboration with EMG Helios. The design draws on the classic M40 profile with a slim polymer chassis, while the receiver, bolt and barrel are metal. At around 2600 g it is one of the lighter full-length sniper rifles, and you notice that when the rifle has to be carried through the woods for a whole game day.

Under the surface, the EV01 is based on ARES' Striker platform. It uses Striker magazines and can take standard AEG springs, so the power can be adapted to site rules without special parts. Out of the box, according to the European distributor, it shoots approx. 132 m/s with 0.20 g BBs, and the 550 mm inner barrel gives a good starting point for accurate shots at longer ranges.

EV01 – key features

What sets the EV01 apart from a typical entry-level sniper rifle:

• One-piece stainless steel C.P.S.B. bolt: The bolt is made in one piece and combined with a 90-degree steel sear. That gives more stable and durable lock-up than bolts assembled from several parts, and copes with stronger springs.
• QD spring change with AEG springs: The spring can be changed quickly, and standard AEG springs are used instead of expensive platform-specific sniper springs. That makes it cheap and simple to adjust the power for different sites.
• Ambidextrous controls: The magazine release and safety sit in the trigger guard and can be operated from both sides, so the rifle works equally well for left- and right-handed shooters.
• Loaded chamber indicator: An indicator shows whether there is a BB in the chamber, so you can check the rifle's status without opening the bolt – handy for safety checks on the field.
• Striker-compatible thread and magazines: The barrel has a proprietary 23 mm CW thread for the ARES Striker flash hider or mock suppressor, and the rifle takes Striker magazines, so spare parts and extra magazines are easy to find.

Maintenance and safety

• Keep the inner barrel clean with the supplied cleaning rod and a dry cloth – dirt in the barrel is the most common cause of spread.
• Store the rifle uncocked, and avoid firing it without a BB in the chamber, as this strains the piston and cylinder.
• Use good-quality precision BBs, such as Hank Tactical BIO, and fine-tune the hop-up with the hex key when you change BB weight. If the spring is to be changed, always check the site limits – our workshop in Aulum, Denmark can help with setup and measurement.
• Always wear approved eye protection and transport the rifle in a closed bag or case.